The Infra~Hear system has been developed by Sunderland-based Current Thinking, whose safety and audio products are in use worldwide. Company managing director Anthony Smith believes its ease of use, flexibility and security means that it will be of benefit to many different organisations who need to provide facilities for people with a range of hearing difficulties.
Smith explains, "Because the system converts audio to an infra-red light beam which then can be picked up on dedicated personal receivers, it can be used in situations where conventional induction loop systems are impracticable.
"The Infra~Hear personal receivers we have developed are compact, worn with an integral neck loop and have the advantage that, as well as helping people with hearing aids, they can be fitted with external headphones.
"Our design has a number of specific benefits including the fact that it uses standard size rechargeable batteries giving 30 hours life, much longer than units produced by some other companies. In addition if the batteries do go flat you can easily obtain replacements from the nearest shop.
"One of the specific benefits of infra red technology is that the light will not pass through walls which makes it ideal for use in sensitive or security situations - for instance court rooms and council chambers."
(Jim Evans)
